Congratulations on embarking on your international experience program in Canada! It’s an amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in Canadian culture and gain valuable work experience. As you make the most of this moment, it’s important to consider your long-term plans. If your dream is to call Canada your permanent home, this blog post is tailor-made for you.
Understanding the Express Entry System: The Express Entry system stands as one of the most popular and efficient ways to apply for permanent residence in Canada. One of its significant advantages is that you can potentially apply without the need for an employment-based application or employer support. The power is in your hands to pursue this route.
Creating a profile in the Express Entry system will place you in a pool of candidates, where individuals are ranked based on various factors. The highest-ranking candidates receive invitations to apply for permanent residence. To obtain high scores and increase your chances of success, focus on strong language proficiency in English and/or French (ideally a CLB 9), being in a younger age group, possessing higher levels of education, and having work experience in high-demand occupations.
A valid job offer from a Canadian employer and a provincial nomination can also add valuable points to your CRS score. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the minimum CRS score required to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) may vary with each draw, as IRCC flexibly adjusts the requirements based on Canada’s immigration needs. Occasionally, the CRS score cutoff may be lower, while in other draws, it may be higher.
What if you do not have the necessary points to get selected in the Express Entry nominations? Fear not; it’s time to explore the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs):
These immigration pathways are operated by individual provinces and territories in Canada. They offer provinces the chance to nominate foreign nationals who possess skills, work experience, or qualifications that align with their specific labor market needs and economic development goals. PNPs are designed to address regional workforce shortages and attract immigrants who can contribute significantly to the local economy.
The specific high-demand occupations can change frequently based on economic trends and industry demands. However, some sectors that have historically experienced high demand for skilled workers in BC include:
- Information Technology (IT) Professionals (e.g., software developers, network engineers, cybersecurity specialists)
- Healthcare Workers (e.g., nurses, medical technologists, physiotherapists)
- Skilled Tradespeople (e.g., carpenters, electricians, plumbers)
- Engineers (e.g., civil engineers, mechanical engineers, software engineers)
- Business and Finance Professionals (e.g., accountants, financial analysts, project managers)
- Teachers and Educators (e.g., elementary and secondary school teachers, early childhood educators)
- Hospitality and Tourism Workers (e.g., chefs, restaurant managers, hotel managers, tour guides, front desk agents/receptionists, food and beverage servers, housekeeping supervisors/attendants, event planners/coordinators, travel agents, resort and hospitality marketing professionals, spa managers/therapists, banquet managers/coordinators)
Working While Applying for Permanent Residence: Applying for permanent residence does not grant you authorization to stay in Canada during the processing period. You must maintain temporary resident status (i.e., worker, student, or visitor) until you officially become a permanent resident. However, you may be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) if you applied for PR through Express Entry, are still in Canada, and have a valid work permit.
If you come to Canada through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, your work permit will have a specific duration depending on the category you applied under (Working Holiday, Young Professionals, or International Co-op). It’s essential to be aware of the rules regarding extensions and work permit renewals to ensure you maintain legal status and continue working in Canada if desired.
- Extension of IEC Work Permit: In most cases, participants in the IEC program are limited to one participation in the program based on bilateral agreements between Canada and their home countries. This means that you cannot extend your IEC work permit beyond the initial duration granted to you. For example, if you participated in the Working Holiday category and received a work permit for one year, you cannot extend it for additional time under the IEC program.
- Work Permit Renewal: While you cannot extend your IEC work permit, there are other options to consider for work permit renewal. If you wish to continue working in Canada, you may explore other work permit categories. For instance:
- If you have a job offer from a Canadian employer, you can apply for a regular work permit through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or the International Mobility Program (IMP) depending on the requirements.
- If you qualify for other work permit streams, such as the Intra-Company Transfer or the Global Talent Stream, you may consider applying for a work permit under these categories.
It’s crucial to ensure that you maintain legal status in Canada while your work permit application is being processed. If your current IEC work permit is expiring, you should submit a new work permit application before the expiry date to avoid any gaps in your status.
Conclusion:
As you embrace the Canadian culture and gain valuable work experience, it’s crucial to keep your long-term goals in mind. Remember, the Express Entry system is one option, but the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offer promising alternatives, especially in high-demand occupations like hospitality and tourism. Stay informed about extensions and work permit renewals as you navigate your path towards your immigration journey.
With my support as a Canadian immigration consultant, your dream of becoming a Canadian permanent resident is within reach.
So, let’s embark on this journey together and work towards turning your Canadian dream into a beautiful reality! If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out.
I am pleased to offer complimentary 20-minute discovery consultations to discuss your general eligibility for various immigration programs and assess which one best aligns with your skills, goals, and aspirations.
Feel free to schedule a consultation Book your consultation | Benardete Fenig Immigration Consulting (benfenimmigration.ca)and let’s take the first step towards making your dream of permanently living in Canada a reality!
